Evaluating outcomes from ISO 9000-certified quality systems of Hong Kong constructors

Implementation of quality management system based on ISO9001:2008 and its effects on customer satisfaction case study

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effect of the ISO 9001 quality management system on customer satisfaction and show an application of an analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-based method for measuring the customer satisfaction index (CSI). This will be useful to anyone who wants to have an ISO 9001 quality management system in his or her organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper describes an ISO 9001 quality management implementation process based on ISO 9001 requirements, and uses the AHP method for weighting effective criteria on customer satisfaction. All data were obtained via questionnaires and assessed with EXPERT CHOICE 11 software.

Findings

– According to the results of the weighting, the factors influencing the satisfaction of a kitchen worktops customer, price and sales terms of this product has a significant impact on customer satisfaction and, in competitive conditions, this criterion has a determining role in the creation of utility for customers. ISO 9001 quality management system has been able to increase the CSI within an 11-month period of study.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to use the AHP method with a new approach in a case study, offering a complete, comprehensive method for assessing customer implications.

Using project performance to measure effectiveness of quality management system maintenance and practices in construction industry

This paper proposed seven existing and new performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of quality management system (QMS) maintenance and practices in construction industry. This research is carried out with a questionnaire based on QMS variables which are extracted from literature review and project performance indicators which are established from project management's theory. Data collected was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that client satisfaction and time variance have positive and significant relationship with QMS while other project performance indicators do not show significant results. Further studies can use the same project performance indicators to study the effectiveness of QMS in different sampling area to improve the generalizability of the findings.

Information and records management

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a survey conducted during 2010 in the Icelandic organizations that held certification according to the ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard.

Design/methodology/approach

The organizations were questioned about problems in obtaining and maintaining certification, what motivated the quest and which were the benefits. Information on the software used and the cost and the time it took to obtain certification was also sought. A questionnaire was sent to those in charge of the quality management programme in the organizations. The questionnaire contained both open‐ended and closed questions. A comparison was made to a previous Icelandic survey from 2001.

Findings

The results show that necessary improvements were needed regarding information and records management (IRM). The reasons for obtaining certifications were mainly demands from customers, a way to introduce more disciplined work procedures and transparency, and to gain a better overview in management. The main benefits from receiving the certification were regarded to be improved management and improvement in meeting demands from customers and public authorities as well as improved IRM, more disciplined work procedures and increased traceability. Organizations involved in an international business believed the certification was a great benefit. Obtaining certification took on average two years and five months. The cost amounted to about £65,500.

Research limitations/ implications

Although the survey is limited to Iceland, this knowledge may also be of value to researchers, records managers and managers in other countries. The survey can lay the foundation for further research into the field.

Practical implications

The results could be of value to organizations that want to implement or re‐implement a certified quality management system. They define various factors that can support a better and a more reliable implementation of quality management systems. The results show that certified quality systems bring varied and valuable opportunities to the profession of records managers.

Originality/value

The survey adds valuable information and fulfils a need for a better understanding of the status of ISO 9001 in Iceland.

The historical impact of ISO 9000 on Lebanese firms

The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of the new ISO 9001:2000 standard on the Quality Management Systems (QMS) of Lebanese firms that were already certified under ISO 9000:1994. To get an accurate feedback of stakeholders in a firm, three different questionnaires were developed and distributed to management, employees, and customers respectively. Empirical results indicate that ISO 9001:2000 has improved the QMS performance of Lebanese firms over that of the 1994 edition. Nevertheless, results showed that the new standard still has some weaknesses when it comes to improving suppliers' relationships and empowering employees.

Learning to Reduce Rework in Projects: Analysis of Firm's Organizational Learning and Quality Practices

While it is widely recognized that additional costs due to rework can have an adverse effect on firm and project performance, there has been limited empirical research investigating the influencing factors. The research presented in this paper determines if a firm's quality and learning practices influence the level of rework costs incurred in construction projects. Using a questionnaire survey, data was obtained from 161 Australian construction firms about the quality and learning practices employed by companies when delivering construction projects. The data analysis revealed that a firm's quality and learning practices did not significantly influence rework costs in projects. However, factors such as project reviews and external benchmarking were significantly correlated with project schedule growth. The size of the firm was identified as a factor that influenced the extent to which learning practices were implemented. The findings from the firms sampled indicate a low to moderate learning capability, which therefore can hinder their ability to implement best practice and work toward the reduction of rework in projects.